In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers recorded live at Good Chat in Brisbane, Tom asks Max Chandler-Mather questions submitted by our Patreon listeners! What was best and worst about being in parliament? Who is the d***est c***? What movies does he watch? Should Greens stop giving Labor preferences? What are his thoughts on the Stafford by-election and the Queensland Socialists? Has being a dad changed his politics? How can we get people to join the movement? ---------- The show can only...
May 13, 2026•6 min
Recorded live at Good Chat Comedy Club in Brisbane, Tom is joined by former Griffith MP and new boss of the Green Institute, Max Chandler-Mather! Why did he lose in 2025? What is next? Then Tully from Tight Knit joins (37:00) to explain how the Brisbane LNP City Council is big, both in size and bad behaviour, and how Tight Knit shows off the circus for what it is. And what do Max and Tully think about the draconian new laws restricting speech in Queensland? (50:56) If you are reading this in Qld...
May 09, 2026•1 hr 3 min
Tom is joined by the leader of the Greens in Victorian parliament, Ellen Sandell! First, Labor confirm that good things aren’t possible and there will be no changes to gas tax in the upcoming budget. (6:12) Next, it’s election year in Victoria. What is the state of play in the lead up to November’s election? (15:49) What is going on with Avi Yemini trying to exploit Victoria’s smouldering election laws with a fake ‘Free Palestine’ party? (32:33) And finally, an update on Schofield and the Global...
May 02, 2026•1 hr 4 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Emerald and Tom are joined by Tom’s old Tonightly mate, Aussie comedy legend Greg Larsen! Why does life feel crazy these days? Did ASIO hide the truth about Greg Hunt and Chris Pyne getting porno-hacked? Did Geggy’s Patreon get cancelled? How could there be a Michael Jackson movie? And why will no one admit the secret brilliance of Pauline Hanson’s One Nation cartoons? ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s ...
Apr 29, 2026•8 min
Tom is joined by former ABC mate, journo and now Greens WA MLC member, Sophie McNeill! This week - gas. First up, a look at the state of WA’s captured existence (14:59). Then, the nation wants action! (41:54) A senate inquiry and a push to tax gas exports is growing. Enter… the government, who love money and are indifferent at best towards emissions reductions. ---------- Just released on Patreon - "Why can’t Aussie Greens be like the UK Greens?" The show can only exist because of our wonderful ...
Apr 25, 2026•1 hr 15 min
Tom is joined by guest host, writer Nick Feik, of The Monthly, Crikey, Substack, and author of a spicy forthcoming Nacc investigation mentioned at the end of the show! It’s hard to work out the current state of the war, but why is Australian media always the first to make excuses? (13:18) Meanwhile Angus Taylor’s Liberal party reaches new lows with his speech on migration and Australian values, whatever they are. (50:18) ---------- Just released on Patreon - "Why can’t Aussie Greens be like the ...
Apr 18, 2026•1 hr 13 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Emerald and Tom ask the question on everyone’s mind - why are the Australian Greens not experiencing the wave of support currently happening for the UK Greens, under their new leader Zack Polanski? How can the Aussie version escape its reputation as a bunch of arts degree inner-city elites? And how much of the recent UK success is a result of the place falling apart? Let’s work this out! ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Pa...
Apr 15, 2026•8 min
Tom is joined by Mehreen Faruqi, federal senator for NSW and Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens. Can the ‘ceasefire’ in the war on Iran be trusted? And why won’t Australia call out war crimes? (4:36) On that note, Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested charged with five counts of the war crime of murder! But is he now commander of the culture war? (32:34) Finally, what is the new national anti-racism framework that Australian Human Rights Commission is proposing? How can we ...
Apr 11, 2026•1 hr 9 min
Happy Easter! We will be back with a new episode next week, but we hope you enjoy this unlocked episode from our Patreon feed! Tom and Emerald speak to Paddy Manning about his epic history of the Australian Greens movement, “Inside The Greens: The Origins and Future of the Party, the People and the Politics.” Since July 2023 we have been recapping Paddy’s history of the Greens on our Patreon, and now that we finally are through the book, who better than its author to tell us the story of its cre...
Apr 04, 2026•1 hr 8 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Tom and Emerald discuss the recent SBS ‘The Feed’ discussion - “Is capitalism a good system or has it outlived its purpose? Six influential people debate capitalism. On the panel: content director Jack Toohey, Simran Kaur from Friends That Invest, buyers agent Eddie Dilleen, Queenie Tan from Invest with Queenie, policy analyst Cian Hussey, and member of the Victorian Socialists, Jordan van den Lamb, best known as Purple Pingers.” Did the debate hit ...
Apr 01, 2026•4 min
Tom is joined by Zack Schofield, activist and organiser of the Rising Tide protests! First some of Zack’s history, and a catch up on last week’s Labor interview. Then, how did the SA election last week shake out? (23:26) The war continues and Australia ban Iranian visitors.The ABC went on strike. (55:21) And Zack is going on the Sumud flotilla to Gaza! (58:14) ---------- Just released on Patreon - "AI Professor Toby Walsh explains data centres" The show can only exist because of our wonderful Pa...
Mar 28, 2026•1 hr 11 min
Oh no it was Rita Panahi’s 50th birthday and I forgot to send a card to her embarrassing party boat. Tom is joined by Rachel Withers, writer for Crikey and co-host of Spin Cycle on RRR! First up there is a new buzzword in town as warflation hits Australia. (15:25) Will another rate rise convince Aussie battlers to stop illegally invading Middle Eastern countries? Then Labor is bravely timidly quietly suggesting it is considering changing the Capital Gaits Tax discount? (42:53) Maybe Tim Wilson c...
Mar 21, 2026•1 hr 2 min
As the war in the Middle East escalates, Tom recently called upon members of Labor Against War to take a stand and leave the party for its support of America and Israel’s illegal actions. In this special bonus episode on our main feed, Tom is joined by Marcus Strom, National Convenor and co-founder of Labor Against War. If he agrees the Labor Party is wrong, why stay a member? Has the party changed or was it always like this? What is the rationale for advocating progress from within Labor, and, ...
Mar 19, 2026•1 hr 16 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Tom and Emerald speak to Professor Toby Walsh, author of “The Shortest History of AI,” to learn all about data centres. As life becomes more and more online and AI enshittifies every aspect of existence, data centres are multiplying across the world and drinking up water and power. Is Eddington a documentary? ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to our fortnigh...
Mar 18, 2026•13 min
Tom is joined by Auspol streamer Elise Turnbull to ask whether this war with Iran is actually a war, or is it merely a sparkling collective self defence? (10:38) Then producer Griff aka Michael Griffin joins to talk about how the Nacc this week delivered zero robodebt justice. (27:47) Finally, a look at the Liberal and Greens federal campaign reviews of the 2025 elections. (45:25) Pretty sure both went well? ---------- Just released on Patreon - "Paddy Manning on his book Inside The Greens!" The...
Mar 14, 2026•1 hr 13 min
Recorded Friday morning and releasing a day early, because things keep happening, Tom is joined by Senator David Shoebridge to discuss Israel and America’s attacks on Iran, and the aftermath as war spreads across the Middle East. Why is this illegal war happening? Why are Australian politicians of all stripes racing to support it? What is next and what can we do about it? How did it become The Pro-War, Pro-Genocide Labor Party? ---------- Just released on Patreon - "Paddy Manning on his book Ins...
Mar 06, 2026•57 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Tom and Emerald speak to Paddy Manning about his epic history of the Australian Greens movement, “Inside The Greens: The Origins and Future of the Party, the People and the Politics.” Since July 2023 we have been recapping Paddy’s history of the Greens on our Patreon, and now that we finally are through the book, who better than its author to tell us the story of its creation, his feelings about the party, and his expectations for its future? We are...
Mar 04, 2026•14 min
Recorded before the attacks on Iran, Tom is joined by Jan Fran from ETTE Media! Angus Taylor wants to talk about the flag. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese played a stupid game and won a stupid prize, after his gross description of Grace Tame as “difficult.” (29:00) Then, the BAFTA Awards was in the news but its worst act was suppressing support of Palestine. (51:45) ---------- Just released on Patreon - "Personality politics - how much does it matter?" The show can only exist because of our wond...
Feb 28, 2026•1 hr 14 min
Tom is joined by the Charlie Murphy from Pride In Protest, to talk about the fight for Sydney Mardi Gras, as the board overrules membership votes and debate rages over whether the event is a protest or a party. (4:04) Then, why does the world seem to be turning against the queer community? And are lesbians more pro-trans than trans people? (53:05) ---------- Just released on Patreon - "Personality politics - how much does it matter?" The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subsc...
Feb 21, 2026•1 hr 8 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Emerald and Tom ponder the issue of personality politics. Are Mamdani and Polanski popular because they are cool? What about Pauline? What does the research say about some of Australia’s most notorious public figures? Are conservatives more attractive, and are lefties a bunch of ugmos? What is David Pocock up to with his thirst traps? ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to ...
Feb 18, 2026•3 min
Tom is joined by the Surfing Senator, the retiring Greens Senator for Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson! First up, Angus Taylor has rolled Sussssan Ley and is the new leader of the Liberals. Say the line, Angus! (10:57) Next up, a look at the aftermath of Israeli President Herzog’s visit to Australia, the abuse of power at protests, and these cops not being tops. (31:07) Finally, Peter looks back at his time in office and ponders what’s next. (45:18) ---------- Just released on Patreon - "Inside the ...
Feb 14, 2026•1 hr 13 min
Tom is joined by Amy Remeikis from The Australia Institute! First up, what is going on in South Australia? Are the Greens going to team up with the Liberals?! (08:32) Next, the Liberal-National coalition is a hot mess, and it’s melting. (26:21) Finally, the Israeli President Isaac Herzog is visiting Australia, and it shines a light on our nation’s dubious relationship with international law. (1:07:09) ---------- Just released on Patreon - "Inside the Greens #11: Greensland emerges, 2019 election...
Feb 07, 2026•1 hr 21 min
In this bonus series for Patreon subscribers, Tom and Emerald reach the end of Paddy Manning’s epic history of the Australian Greens movement, “Inside The Greens: The Origins and Future of the Party, the People and the Politics.” In this episode, the Batman by-election disaster, trouble in NSW, the rise of the Greens in Brisbane, and the 2019 election! This is the end of the book! But, it is book one of two. There may be some discussion of the second section. But thus ends the history of the Aus...
Feb 04, 2026•5 min
After a quick pop-in from Emerald, Tom is joined by Gary Stevenson, the People’s Economist! (13:28) With the world seemingly falling apart around us, how can we fight back and wind back wealth inequality before it's too late? And with the UK Greens flourishing under Zack Polanski, how can the wobbly Australian Greens recapture the narrative? ---------- Just released on Patreon - "Nationalise the pub? The left politics of alcohol" The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscribe...
Jan 31, 2026•56 min
(Note: Sorry for some unavoidable sound issues later on this ep!) Tom is joined by guest host Larissa Baldwin-Roberts, from Common Threads and former CEO of GetUp! First up, the new hate speech laws have passed (13:16). How bad are they? What did we gain in exchange for giving up some essential rights? Next up, Invasion Day 2026 (43:59). What is the state of the discussion about Australia Day? How does it and the hate speech laws reflect the state of First Nations justice in the country? -------...
Jan 24, 2026•1 hr 7 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Emerald and Tom talk booze! Emerald is straight edge and Tom is an occasional lush, how do they feel about alcohol in 2026? Why are young people drinking less - are they wowsers or just poor? Is it poor form to have alcohol at Greens events? What is the left position on the demon drink? ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to our fortnightly subscriber-only ful...
Jan 21, 2026•7 min
Bond, Caleb Bond. Tom is joined by guest host Robert Simms, Greens member of the SA Legislative Council, to talk all things Festival State. First, the Adelaide Writers Week is cancelled after they cancelled the Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah’s appearance, which they have now uncancelled. What is going on? (9:15) Then, a look at the state of play in SA state politics and a prediction and call to action for the upcoming March election. (31:22) ---------- Just released on Patreon - Inside th...
Jan 17, 2026•1 hr 4 min
Getting on the grift with Drew Pavlou. Tom is joined by guest host Jeff Sparrow, Walkley award-winning journalist and writer and senior lecturer at the Centre for Advancing Journalism at the University of Melbourne. America did a coup of Venezuela! (10:23) Albo announced a Royal Commission and Adelaide Festival cancelled itself! (44:34) Everything feels even more crazy! ---------- Just released on Patreon - Inside the Greens #11: Dual citizens, Trump & Gonski The show can only exist because ...
Jan 10, 2026•1 hr 18 min
Video version - https://youtu.be/FQzjNT6oVHM In this bonus series for Patreon subscribers, Tom and Emerald continue chapter 11 of author Paddy Manning’s epic history of the Australian Greens movement, “Inside The Greens: The Origins and Future of the Party, the People and the Politics.” First up some listener feedback on our Civil Duty recap episode. Then in this installment - Trump, the dual citizenship drama takes down Scott Ludlam and Larissa Waters, Gonski reforms bring out the schoolyard bu...
Jan 07, 2026•7 min
We will be back with regular episodes starting next week, but for now here is an unlock of a favourite bonus episode from our Patreon. Emerald is back! And joined by Tom to meet Sean Kelly, former Labor staffer and current journalist, to discuss his new Quarterly Essay, “The Good Fight: What Does Labor Stand For?” Are Labor cowardly cowards, or clever pragmatists who know how to play the game? What is Anthony Albanese actually up to? How can the Australian left movement get our own “Mamdani At H...
Jan 03, 2026•1 hr 5 min
