We’ve unlocked one of our favourite Patreon bonus episodes, as Tom gets into superannuation with Robert Lechte ( @djrobstep ), who has written on the topic for Jacobin and likely at some point in your Twitter feed. Is super theft? Does it enshrine generational inequality? And how would you fix it? Is Paul Keating a smart financial genius or a stupid neo-lib dummy? Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU New Patreon bonus ep! Emerald and Tom’s fir...
Jan 07, 2023•1 hr 23 min
Any new year's resolutions? Nurse your hangover while Emerald and Tom discuss some juicy internal Greens party stuff. Firstly, why is the party leader decided by elected MPs instead of members (4:08)? Then conscience votes - are they a good thing and why do the public think crossing the floor is so cool (31:54)? Finally, a call to action (51:43). Happy new year! Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU New Patreon bonus ep just released! Emerald a...
Dec 31, 2022•54 min
Emerald and Tom’s weird Christmas stories. Our hosts have been meaning to unpack one of the most contentious protests in recent years - Bob Brown’s Stop Adani convoy before the 2019 election! (3:16) Did it cause Labor to lose the unloseable election? Did it do good in the end after all? Finally, a call to action (51:33). Merry Christmas! Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU New Patreon bonus ep just released! Emerald and Tom’s first ever live ...
Dec 24, 2022•55 min
Banks caring about climate change? You’ve got to laugh. Emerald and Tom catch up on a few bits of government news - the electricity relief bill was passed (5:12), Covid restrictions are going away (15:34) and subsidised mental health treatments are being halved (19:54). Then Thomas Studans / @MaximumCuddles joins to catch up on the Robodebt Royal Commission and Scott Morrison’s appearance in the witness booth (29:12). Finally, a call to action (1:02:47). Content warning: we discuss suicide and o...
Dec 20, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Emerald has the spicy cough! While she and Tom lick their wounds they interview Daniel Lopez, Australian editor of Jacobin and executive member of the Victorian Socialists (6:35). They chat about how well VS did at the recent Victorian state election, the rise of the party, their insane amount of door knocking, and how they can work with Greens to achieve things together in the future. It’s a bloody leftie love-in! Finally, a call to action (50:26). New Patreon bonus ep just released! Emerald an...
Dec 10, 2022•54 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Emerald and Tom’s first ever live show together, recorded live at Greens National Conference in Brisbane! We begin with a reading of Andrew Bolt’s sane and measured attack on a sacred cow that has had it far too easy for far too long - Finding Nemo. Then Michael Berkman, Greens MP for Maiwar in Brisbane and EMERALD’S BOSS, joins to talk about his recent ethics referral and the scary future of protest in Australia. Subscribe on Patreon to support the...
Dec 09, 2022•4 min
You can’t leave Government House until you sing this song my wife wrote. Emerald and Tom chat about the developments in the last sitting week of federal parliament - Morrison censured (11:05), the NACC / federal ICAC (16:56), and the new IR bill passed (26:59). Then a big debrief of last week’s Victorian state election (39:10). Finally, a call to action (1:01:02). Tom’s audio this episode is a bit crap, sorry. Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDange...
Dec 03, 2022•1 hr 5 min
**HOT SPECIAL BONUS CONTENT** Tom’s book “I, Millennial: One Snowflake’s Screed Against Boomers, Billionaires & Everything Else” (which Emerald begrudgingly thinks is good) is out tomorrow! To celebrate, here’s a short taste of it from the climate chapter, summarising what happened with the Greens and the CPRS and 2009 and all that. You can pre-order the book/audiobook here: https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/p/tom-ballard-i-millennial Come to the book launches in Melbourne (Wed Nov 30th wi...
Nov 28, 2022•17 min
Congratulations Victorian Greens for winning every seat in the state election! Emerald and birthday boy Tom debate whether we should change the voting age to 16 after the recent NZ court ruling (5:43). Emerald is contrarian! Then they talk about electric cars and some new amendments to make them cheaper (35:46), but is the real solution actually cars bad? Finally, a call to action (1:01:27). Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU New Patreon epi...
Nov 26, 2022•1 hr 4 min
In this bonus Patreon episode, Emerald and Tom look at Max Chandler-Mather’s free breakfast program and some of the reactions. Is it good or is it virtue signalling? Are the Greens trying to be Black Panthers? What does this have to do with defunding the police? Full episode available at - https://www.patreon.com/SeriousDangerAU Subscribe on Patreon to support the show and check out all our bonus Patreon eps with guests like Wil Anderson, Cam Wilson, Tom Tanuki and Jon Kudelka, and deep dives in...
Nov 23, 2022•1 min
Free tampons for women, but what do blokes get!?! Emerald and Tom are joined by the Greens councillor for the Gabba Ward of the Brisbane City Council, Jonno Sriranganathan. They discuss the recent leaks of Queensland Police being racist nazi scum (8:44) and Jonno’s mention in the leaked recordings. Then they move on to the upcoming Victorian state election (41:52) - the Greens exciting polling, nasty attacks from Labor, and how to grow thick skin as the party expands. Finally, a call to action (...
Nov 19, 2022•58 min
Sydney Uni’s woke anti-Freya agenda must be stopped! Emerald and Tom are joined by Josh Cullinan from the Retail and Fast Food Workers Union to discuss the new Industrial Relations bill before parliament (11:00). Is it bad and should the Greens support it? Then they move on to the recent Apple negotiations (39:03), including Australia’s first ever national retail strike. Finally, a call to action (53:43). Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU N...
Nov 12, 2022•57 min
In this bonus Patreon episode as requested by our wonderful subscribers, Emerald and Tom do a meme review of some of the best and worst Greens memes and memers. Then it’s time for a bad takes review, featuring Taylor Swift, Airpods, kids these days, and a special bad take from bird-brained provocateur Joe Hildebrand on Lidia Thorpe. Subscribe on Patreon to support the show and check out all our bonus Patreon eps with guests like Wil Anderson, Cam Wilson, Tom Tanuki and Jon Kudelka, and deep dive...
Nov 10, 2022•4 min
Imagine paying for the shame of having a Twitter blue check. Emerald and Tom discuss the government’s meagre new gambling policies and the scourge of gambling in Australia (9:03). You can’t spell Ladbrokes without broke lads. Then noted American historian Dave Anthony joins to preview the upcoming US midterm election (29:26). Sounds like everything’s going well over there. Finally, a call to action (1:07:00). Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDanger...
Nov 05, 2022•1 hr 9 min
Only a few week’s until November 26 - Tom’s birthday, I mean the Victorian state election! One of the hottest-tipped Greens candidates is Gabrielle de Vietri, who joins to chat about her campaign to win Richmond. Topics discussed include party drama and hit pieces, majority Greens governments, four day week and artist living wage policies, doorknocking, and even some recent comments by our favourite losers Trevor Evans and Terri Butler. Full video version of this episode available on https://www...
Nov 03, 2022•50 min
Spooky costume ideas. Then because you were good and kicked out the LNP, we get a second federal budget as a treat! Emerald and Tom break down the new government’s first budget (7:04), and then look at how it doesn’t do very much to help housing (14:19), electricity (31:33), education (31:33) or welfare (52:51). Finally, a call to action (1:02:18). Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU New Patreon episode just released - get Tom and Emerald’s t...
Oct 29, 2022•1 hr 7 min
Emerald and Tom share precocious childhood stories. Then they get into a chat they ran out of time for in the main feed thanks to the Lidia Thorpe bombshell: Australia last week ceased recognising West Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Tom takes Emerald through the backstory, the government's election promises and actions, and what's next for the region. Subscribe on Patreon to support the show and check out all our bonus Patreon eps with guests like Cam Wilson, Wil Anderson, Tom Tanuki and Jon Kud...
Oct 26, 2022•6 min
Predictions of stormy weather at The Bureau. Emerald and Tom then devote the whole episode to the biggest story in the country (for about 3-6 hours till Liz Truss resigned) - the revelation that Senator Lidia Thorpe had an undisclosed relationship with a former bikie boss (8:21). How bad is it? Is it a stitch-up or are us Greenies all big hypocrites? What next? Finally, a call to action (47:48). Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU New Patreon...
Oct 22, 2022•52 min
The AFR list of the top 10 most influential Australians - did you make the cut? Emerald and Tom are joined for a big chat with their big crush, Senator for Greensland, Larissa Waters! (15:40) They chat about the recent election wins and thoughts on the new government, the recent threats to abortion rights (30:22), and how we can fix the state of our democracy (42:32). Finally, a call to action (1:01:27). Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU Ne...
Oct 15, 2022•1 hr 4 min
We check in on all the action and politics from Australia’s CPAC (the Conservative Political Action Conference) 2022 with Crikey Associate Editor Cam Wilson, who fully went there and looked at all these freaks up close. What is CPAC for? What were the big themes? What do these weirdos believe? Where did Cam go to the toilet? What funny jokes were told about Greens voters dying? All these questions and more answered in this ep. CPAC RECAP! Subscribe on Patreon to support the show and check out al...
Oct 13, 2022•4 min
The only good backflip in politics. Emerald and Tom wonder if the government is setting up to do a backflip on the stage 3 tax cuts (5:23), which leads to the question - how should we best respond when the government does the right thing (26:51)? Finally, a call to action (1:04:59). Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU Subscribe on Patreon to support the show and check out all our bonus Patreon eps with guests like Tom Tanuki and Jon Kudelka, ...
Oct 08, 2022•1 hr 7 min
Bob “Robin Hood” Katter is stealing from the policy-rich (Greens) to give to the policy-poor. 420 blaze it! Tom and straight-edge Emerald look at the new Greens moves to legalise marijuana in Australia (9:31), and what is standing in the way? Then two stories of messy drama this week (37:00) - Mehreen Faruqi pushing back against racist attacks from Pauline Hanson, and Lidia Thorpe accused of abusive outbursts. Finally, a call to action (1:11:57). Full video version of this episode available on h...
Oct 01, 2022•1 hr 15 min
The Queen never took a day off in her life! (From her gruelling work of attending a succession of parties thrown in her honour.) So we’ve taken the week off - it’s what she would have wanted. Instead, we’ve unlocked one of our favourite Patreon bonus episodes. Emerald and Tom speak for the whole hour with comedian and host of The Glass House, Gruen, Question Everything and Wilosophy - Wil Anderson. Wil talks about his political philosophy, explains the idea behind the Gruen Transfer as a “hiding...
Sep 24, 2022•1 hr
McFlags at half mast. Emerald and Tom round up all the good-nice-dead-Queen / bad-angry-pen-King news over the last week (4:39). Then Lulu from Respect Inc joins (37:01) to talk about Sex Worker Pride, and the sometimes bizarre challenges facing the industry and its workers. Finally, a call to action (58:56). Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU New Patreon bonus episode up, Tom gets into superannuation with Robert Lechte. Was Paul Keating act...
Sep 17, 2022•1 hr 1 min
In this 82-minute* bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Tom gets into superannuation with Robert Lechte ( @djrobstep ), who has written on the topic for Jacobin, and likely at some point in your Twitter feed. Is super theft? Does it enshrine generational inequality? And how would you fix it? Is Paul Keating a smart financial genius or a stupid neo-lib dummy? * Tom has a chapter on super in his book and has many things to ask and say! Subscribe to the Patreon for all our bonus episodes includin...
Sep 15, 2022•6 min
Some old lady died. Emerald and Tom watched Lidia Thorpe’s “Labor Is Gammin” speech (14:03) and use it to launch into a recap some of the government’s recent crappy moves - the fake welfare increase, stage 3 tax cuts, new coal and gas, making jokes about public housing while living in a mansion, and finally refusing to renationalise Qantas. Phew. Then it’s Australian politics’ night of nights as the Midwinter Ball is bizarre and awful (58:15), but did the Greens’ protest hit the mark? Full video...
Sep 10, 2022•1 hr 15 min
Red flags about the lack of Greens flags. Emerald and Tom discuss the Greens’ proposed National Energy Transition Authority (7:15) and what we can learn from failed transitions in America. Then Victorian Greens leader Samantha Ratnam joins us (34:44) to chat about the upcoming state election and the murk that is Victorian politics. Finally, a call to action (1:09:10). Full video version of this episode available on https://www.youtube.com/c/SeriousDangerAU New Patreon bonus episode with Tom Tanu...
Sep 03, 2022•1 hr 13 min
In a new Patreon exclusive episode for subscribers, Tom Tanuki joins us to pull apart Sammy J’s recent Greens “comedy” sketch and discuss the state of Aussie comedy that takes the piss out of lefties. Why does it suck so much? Was Sammy J specifically making fun of Emerald? Is Tonightly bad? Can Tom (Ballard) navigate this convo without insulting his comedy mates? Full episode along with all our bonus episodes (including the full Wil Anderson ep) available on Patreon at - https://www.patreon.com...
Aug 31, 2022•5 min
Robo-justice! Emerald and Tom talk about the state of renting, and the new Greens’ proposal for a rent freeze to make it less totally cooked (4:47). And speaking of being cooked, our cooker correspondent Tom Tanuki returns (36:39) to update us on a SovCit child abduction, the freedumb folks, and Avi Yemini’s visa troubles. Finally, a call to action (1:14:20). Bonus Patreon full episode with Tom Tanuki coming this week, pulling apart Sammy J’s recent Greens “comedy” sketch and the state of comedy...
Aug 27, 2022•1 hr 18 min
Scotty From Multitasking has so many jobs! Emerald and Tom are joined by Elizabeth Humphrys (12:02), author of How Labour Built Neoliberalism: Australia’s Accord, The Labour Movement and the Neoliberal Project . What is neoliberalism and when did it take over Australia? Is Paul Keating actually bad? Will the upcoming Jobs & Skills Summit be the Accord 2.0? Finally, a call to action (1:00:59). Subscribe to our Patreon to keep the show alive and hear bonus episodes like our full hour-long inte...
Aug 20, 2022•1 hr 4 min
