Gay and bisexual young people in Sydney are facing rising violence at the hands of a resurgent IS terrorist network — the same one that produced the Bondi gunmen.

And an alternate writers festival is about to kick off after the chaotic cancellation and controversy of the Adelaide Writers' Week. We unpack what it's like to run an event like this, their role in promoting free speech and what it takes to stand up to political pressure. 

Plus, what do you want to tell the universe? An Australian museum has teamed up with an American research institute to send messages from humanity into deep space. 

Listen now: 

01:13 - IS-inspired attacks on Sydney teens

09:29 - What's the point of a writers' festival?

24:13 - Messages for the universe

Guests: 

• Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop, reporter, ABC Investigations
• Rosemarie Milsom, founding director, Newcastle Wirters festival

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