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Australia
Donald Trump
One Nation
Anthony Albanese
Liberal Party
United States
Iran
Pauline Hanson
Sydney
Inflation
Melbourne
China
Immigration
Interest Rates
Bondi Beach
Free Birthing
National Party
Bondi
Climate Change
Jeffrey Epstein

The Morning Edition (formerly Please Explain) brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

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Latest Episodes

There are nearly one and a half million registered medical devices on the market in Australia.

Now, you would think that life-saving treatments such as pacemakers, defibrillators and pain pumps would be subject to the same sorts of clinical trials ... more

We switch to sunnier climes this week, to a posh hotel in Sicily. It’s where the TV series White Lotus was filmed, and it’s also where our colleagues at The Australian Financial Review spotted One Nation leader Pauline Hanson poolside with billionair... more

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The madness of Donald Trump surfaced again in the past day or so, according to many seasoned onlookers.

First, the president of the United States announced that he would impose a shipping toll on the Strait of Hormuz, something that would jack up p... more

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For nearly a century, the FIFA World Cup has carried fans throughout the world to great heights of unity and joy. This year's tournament, which is coming to a close, revealed some of the best of America. Scottish fans were welcomed by the city of Bos... more

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Recent Guests

Andrew Giuliani
Trump ally involved in the World Cup Task Force
White House World Cup Task Force (as described)
Episode: Trump’s red card intervention in the World Cup
Zach Hope
Southeast Asia correspondent
The Sydney Morning Herald/The Age
Episode: A thousand girls, neon lights: Human toll of Thailand’s sex tourism industry
Natassia Chrysanthos
Federal Political Correspondent
The Sydney Morning Herald / The Age
Episode: Labor’s tax changes hit the property market, will a Liberal ‘rebrand’ turn the party around?
Jacqueline Maley
Columnist and senior journalist discussing Karl Stefanovic saga and media shifts
The Sydney Morning Herald / The Age
Episode: Is the Karl Stefanovic saga a midlife crisis or media evolution?
Zali Steggall
Community Independent MP for Warringah
Community Strong (new party)
Episode: High risk or the right time? Zali Steggall on the new teal party
Emily Kowal
Education reporter
The Sydney Morning Herald / The Age
Episode: 'Be sensible and keep your mouth shut': The private school facing allegations of control
Jackson Graham
Age Education Reporter
Age / Sydney Morning Herald
Episode: Selective schools: Competition has never been tougher
Christopher Harris
Sydney Morning Herald Education Editor
Sydney Morning Herald / The Age
Episode: Selective schools: Competition has never been tougher
Colin Kruger
Business journalist joining from The Sydney Morning Herald / The Age
The Sydney Morning Herald / The Age
Episode: ‘Breaks every rule’: What the KPMG scandal is all about

Host

Samantha Selinger-Morris
Host of The Morning Edition, senior journalist in Canberra; The Age & The Sydney Morning Herald

Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars from 1.6k ratings
  • Jacqueline vs Samantha

    I find Jacqui’s podcast style far more engaging than Samantha’s. She interacts with the other presenters in a natural way, without ever revealing her own opinion. Please bring us more podcasts with Jacqueline!

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Requerant
    Australia25 days ago
  • The Gold Standard

    The Morning Edition is excellent. I particularly like Thursdays when Samantha Sellinger-Morris typically co-hosts with Peter Hartcher. Peter, or “Hartcher” as Samantha often calls him, is such an experienced, erudite journalist, one who aspiring journalists should seek to emulate. His analysis is always spot-on and he often picks up on trends, patterns, or evolving issues well before others do. His weekly columns are essential in my weekly news diet. SMH is the country’s best newspaper, or so I ... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CN Oz
    United Statesa month ago
  • why her?

    4 June 2025 - Did you really think I needed or wanted to listen to an interview with P.Hanson? Or does she just suit your agenda? Over-use of people like her is one big part of the reason legacy media is on the skids.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    NotYoungAnyMore
    Australia2 months ago
  • Music really distracting

    Coming back after a break of not listening and the music is an unwelcome addition for me.. it’s often at odds with the story’s tone and sounds… royalty free. doesn’t hit the ‘NYT Daily’ balance that I feel like it’s trying to. I’d prefer no music - I’m engaged with just the guests & topics

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Felizabeth99
    Australia2 months ago
  • Jacqueline Maley

    Here’s a shout out for Jacqueline. I read her columns, read her novel and just listened to her podcast. She is terrific.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Bobs50
    Australia3 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Ads and pacing receive mixed reactions, with some listeners noting advertising interrupting flow.
Listeners praise credibility, strong guest lineups, and concise, insightful analysis.
Feedback highlights admiration for Peter Hartcher interviews and host interviewing style.
Overall, the show is seen as a reliable source for informed opinion and policy context.
Some listeners want more balance or diverse perspectives beyond top-tier guests.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#237
United States/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#209
Canada/News/Daily News
Apple Podcasts
#232
United Kingdom/News/Daily News
Spotify
#28
Australia/News
Apple Podcasts
#175
Australia/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#8
Australia/News/Daily News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

A thousand girls, neon lights: Human toll of Thailand’s sex tourism industry
Q: Hey, Zach, so you spent some time in Pattaya yourself. What did you learn about who Thanchanok Donhomla was, and what do you know about why she was in Pattaya?
Zach Hope explained that Thanchanok came from the Northeast, likely visiting Pattaya to meet friends; the authorities say she stayed about a week and might have been there on holiday, with the specific motives still unclear. He noted CCTV and witness accounts place her with the Australian suspect, which intensified the case and public interest.
‘The world has changed’: Peter Hartcher on China’s extraordinary missile test
Q: Does this missile launch signal or foreshadow the next technology that China is likely to be working on that might pose different problems?
Hartcher notes civil-military fusion in China, the rapid development of AI and military tech, and the likelihood that future systems will extend range and capability, complicating defense planning for regional players.
‘The world has changed’: Peter Hartcher on China’s extraordinary missile test
Q: So what greater risk, I guess, is there for those countries that are close to this zone?
The risk has been rising due to doubts about US commitment, growing Chinese coercion, and the possibility of continued maritime expansion and blockades, which could affect regional security and economic corridors like shipping lanes.
‘The world has changed’: Peter Hartcher on China’s extraordinary missile test
Q: Tell us about this missile that China launched on Monday. Why did it anger so many countries?
Hartcher explains the missile's capability as an intercontinental reach, its submarine-launched nature, and the broader signal about China's intent to challenge existing security orders, which provoked diplomatic pushback and concerns about stability in the Indo-Pacific.
One Nation’s newest donors, and why they want to remain secret
Q: Why is the donation system in Victoria described as dangerous, and what could happen if it's not properly disclosed?
Because improper disclosure can become a criminal offence, and the lack of clarity around caps and reporting creates reputational and legal risks for One Nation and all parties, undermining democracy.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Morning Edition

What is The Morning Edition about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A contemporary, Australia-focused current affairs program that features top journalists and policy experts discussing politics, economics, international relations, and major social issues. Episodes frequently center on budgets, housing affordability, national security, and governance, with in-depth interviews from senior reporters and ministers, plus big-picture analysis of global events and their domestic implications. Notable strengths include a steady roster of respected guests, clear policy context, and a balance between on-the-ground reporting and analytical commentary that helps listeners understand how decisions shape daily life. The show often riffs on intergenerational policy, economic framing, and media accountability, making it a... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Morning Edition?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Morning Edition:

1. Full Story
2. Politics Now
3. 7am
4. ABC News Daily
5. Australian Politics

How many episodes of The Morning Edition are there?

The Morning Edition launched 8 years ago and published 139 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Morning Edition?

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What guests have appeared on The Morning Edition?

Recent guests on The Morning Edition include:

1. Andrew Giuliani
2. Zach Hope
3. Natassia Chrysanthos
4. Jacqueline Maley
5. Zali Steggall
6. Emily Kowal
7. Jackson Graham
8. Christopher Harris

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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