Our presenters Danae Gibson and Chris Wheeldon from The Swing talk [Dr Sam Han](https://www.uwa.edu.au/profile/sam-han), senior lecturer of Anthropology and Sociology at UWA, and a native New Yorker. Dr Sam sat down to discuss September 11 attacks and where he was at the time, the experiences of members of the [Asian American and Pacific Islander](https://aapifund.org/program/research-and-tools/)communities during COVID-19 and the growing influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander communities in US politics.

This episode of The Swing takes a look back at the near 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and the global political ramifications of such, including the Biden administration's recent withdrawal from the Middle East. Chris and Danae spoke to Swinburne University Professor [Bryan Cranston](https://swinburne.academia.edu/BryanCranston) about the recent efforts to withdraw from the region.

This week of The Swing is again examining the US' military intervention in the Middle East, its recent coming to an end and its intersection with Australian politics. Chris and Danae spoke to Curtin University's [Professor Joe Siracusa](https://research.curtin.edu.au/researcher/joe-siracusa-2736cf1e/) about the ramifications of the US pulling out of Afghanistan, and if the criticism of President Biden's decision is warranted. The show also features an interview with historian Dr Emma Shortis on her new book [Our Exceptional Friend](https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/our-exceptional-friend-by-emma-shortis/9781743797839), about Australia's relationship with the United States and the tempestuous outcomes of such.

In Our Exceptional Friend, historian [Dr Emma Shortis](https://www.emmashortis.com/) draws on history, current affairs and questions of morality to mount a compelling and unique case as to why Australia’s relationship with the United States needs a serious overhaul. Dr Shortis and Chloe Ward have a podcast you can listen to [here](https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/podcasts/barelygettinby)

This week on The Swing we look into the what is happening in Afghanistan. Over the last few weeks we have seen Afghanistan tumble into chaos as Taliban forces rolled through the country finally taking the capital Kabul last week. But this is not a new concern for the Afghan people. The symbolic date of September 11 for Nato and US Forces to leave the country has weighed heavily on the minds of Afghan people as the potential end of the freedoms they have lived under for the last 20 yeas. The speed however of the Taliban takeover was surprising and it has left Afghan people scared, worried and fighting for survival. On The Swing Chris Wheeldon spoke to Bahar Sayed, a member of the Afghan Community in Perth whose parents fled the country in the 1980's. Bahar is in constant contact with family and friends at home and those currently in detention. He also spoke with Zaki Hadari, a Hazaras man who fled Afghanistan in 2012 at the age of 17. He is now a Employment Support Worker at Jesuit Refugee Services and a Human Rights Advocate.

In the midst of the Radiothon rush, Danae and Chris manage to squeeze in some meaty discussions on The Swing. The Swing checks in with Sisonke Msimang from the Centre for Stories, who walks us through the civil unrest gripping South Africa after the jailing of President Jacob Zuma. The team then recap some of the show's highlights from the year, including excerpts from interviews with former Greens Senator Scott Ludlum and the United States Studies Centre's Jared Mondschein. We also heard our hosts dissect the big international news stories of the week – and nine full minutes of the Stone Roses' "Fools Gold" (not included in this podcast). This episode of the Swing aired on 17 August 2021.

This episode of The Swing sees Danae and Chris talking about politics local and national, including discussions of Sky News being suspended from YouTube and potential civil unrest in South Africa. The show also features an interview with Curtin University Associate Professor Dr Htwe Htwe Thein about the developing situation in Myanmar, including Min Aung Hlaing declaring himself Prime Minister. This episode of The Swing aired Tuesday 3rd of August 2021.

This episode of The Swing sees Chris and Danae talking about upcoming election news, including a discussion with Swinburne University Associate Professor Samuel Wilson about his research into the effects of climate change policy promises on politicians' voting prospects. This episode of The Swing aired on Tuesday 13th July 2021.

This episode of The Swing sees Danae and Chris talking about various politics both local and international, including news of the Trump administration's financial advisor being charged for tax fraud. The duo also interview The Guardian's Amy Remeikis on all things federal politics, including news on the coronavirus vaccine rollout and Barnaby Joyce's leadership of the national party. This episode of The Swing aired on Tuesday 6th July 2021.

Chris flies solo in a locked down Perth for The Swing as he delves into the world of politics and sport. He chats with Associate Professor Adam Karg from Swinburne University on what a post and current covid sporting world will look like. No sport seems to have got it perfect thus far and his research looks at what works and doesn't work as we head back to the watching our favourites sports. And he chats to Michael Warner, author of The Boys Club: Power, Politics and the AFL a new book that looks at the inner workings of the AFL and how the notion of a boys clubs is well and truly alive.