bCasts

In the lead up to U.S President, Donald Trump’s second term in office, the United States has been in what academics, and observers are calling a state of “permacrisis”.

Since Trump’s inauguration, decisions such as the appointment of Cabinet members, the pardoning of convicts involved in the January 6th Capitol attack, and the signing of executive orders targeting immigrants, and transgender people, have uprooted political conventions, and normalised chaos as a daily occurrence.

Producer Athena spoke to Director and Associate Professor of Global Studies at the University of Auckland, Dr Chris Ogden, about how, and why Trump and his followers weaponise chaos, and manufacture crises.

Last week saw the redistribution of some important portfolios between National’s cabinet ministers. The two most important changes were the shift of Dr Shane Reti’s Health portfolio to Simeon Brown and Nicola Willis’ adoption of the new Minister for Economic Growth. 

In Luxon’s State of the Nation speech he spoke about the future of the country and promoting economic growth. He also spoke about his concern about New Zealanders heading overseas to see big name artists perform. 

In our weekly catchup with National’s Tom Rutherford, Wire host Castor asked about each of these issues, starting with the National Party reshuffle.

This week on the Tuesday Wire...

For Dear Science this week, our expert Professor Allan Blackman chatted with us about good old Ernest Rutherford and why his mug is on our 100 dollar bills. 

In our weekly catchup with the National Party, Wire host Castor spoke to MP Tom Rutherford about National’s recent cabinet reshuffle and Christopher Luxon’s state of the nation speech. 

They also spoke to National Secretary of the Public Service Association, Fleur Fitzsimons, about ACT party leader David Seymour’s calls for privatisation of Aotearoa’s health sector. 

Producer Athena spoke to Director of Global Studies at the University of Auckland, Chris Ogden, about how and why Trump weaponises chaos.

This week on Universal Harmony:

Settle in for another week of immersive soundscapes, handpicked to inspire, uplift, and connect.

Hosted by PHILLIEE, tonight’s episode features the Sound of Sydney by Carlos Avilés, continuing our spotlight on the artist Cousin. A late-night soundtrack for discovery, creativity, and serene reflection awaits.

~ Universal Harmony ~

Oozing a grateful aura, massaging the creative mind.