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.

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FEATURED PODCAST: 12 AUGUST, 2026

Paul Kelly and Alexander Downer on the rise and fall of Australian exceptionalism

How has almost a decade in power left such a severe dent in the Liberal Party’s reputation & viability?

This episode of Afternoon Light special guest hosts Alexander Downer and Chetna Mahadik speak with Paul Kelly about his latest book The Twilight of Exceptionalism. Exploring the failures, contradictions and redeeming achievements of Tony Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull, and Scott Morrison, and how the limitations of their prime ministerships have played into the rise of One Nation.

16 Sep, 2026

More than Middling: Australia’s role in the construction of a new global order

9 Sep, 2026

Henry Ergas: What has multiculturalism done to Australia?

2 Sep, 2026

Bringing ANZUS to Life: Belinda Murrell on the power of historical fiction

26 Aug, 2026

Australia's first Asian Barrister

19 Aug, 2026

Nick Bisley on how globalisation made & may unmake Asia: "The world looks quite different"

12 Aug, 2026

Paul Kelly & Alexander Downer on the frustration & legacy of the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Governments: "We don't know what they stand for"

5 Aug, 2026

Michael Wesley on Australia's need to recommit to Southeast Asia: "In historical terms"

29 Jul, 2026

Rae Frances & Bruce Scates on Mary Booth, the woman who shaped the Anzac legend: "War unsettles the gender orders"

23 Jul, 2026

Patrick Mullins on the flawed & fascinating redemption story of stained man Richard Meagher: "Australia is a land of new beginnings"

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