Afternoon Light Podcast

Afternoon Light is the podcast of the Robert Menzies Institute. You can listen to individual episodes by clicking on the links below, or subscribe to Afternoon Light using your favourite podcast app.

FEATURED PODCAST: 10 SEPTEMBER, 2026

Nicholas Ferns on Australia's attempt to guide Papua New Guinea towards economic development & self government: "We've cracked that code"

On this week’s Afternoon Light Georgina Downer speaks with Nicholas Ferns to unpack the ideology and policies known as ‘developmentalism’ – Australia’s concerted attempt to help its neighbours achieve the same level of economic prosperity & political stability enjoyed in ‘the lucky country’.

19 Nov, 2025

David Day on Labor icon Ben Chifley: "It seems in hindsight extraordinary"

11 Nov, 2025

Troy Bramston on his new biography of Gough Whitlam: "We know about the legacy"

5 Nov, 2025

Julian Leeser & Damien Freeman on the poetry of R.G. Menzies: "Part of our shared inheritance"

29 Oct, 2025

Charles Moore on Margaret Thatcher's Life, Legacy & 100th Birthday: "Almost Revolutionary Fervour"

22 Oct, 2025

Toby Young on the Current Battle for Freedom of Speech: "A Very Chilling Effect"

15 Oct, 2025

Margaret Simons on the life, legacy & liberalism of Malcolm Fraser: "Changed the face of Australia"

8 Oct, 2025

Kirsten McKenzie on the Bigge Report & inquiries into 19th century British Imperial Administration: "An extraordinary snapshot of imperial life"

2 Oct, 2025

Jackie French & Kate O'Donnell on the History of Book Week: "United Through Books"

29 Sep, 2025

Bonus Episode - Kai Bowie on 100 years of the Melbourne University Liberal Club: "Facilitators of a wider student experience"

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