In honour of this strange week between Christmas and New Years, where nothing makes sense, what better time to talk centrism? In this unlock of a favourite Patreon bonus ep, Emerald and Tom are joined again by economist and Executive Director of The Australia Institute Dr Richard Denniss, to discuss his new essay ‘Dead Centre: How Political Pragmatism is Killing Us.’ This one is a cracker, almost an hour of insightful takes from your favourite progressive economist boyfriend. Enjoy, sickos! Vide...
Dec 27, 2025•49 min
Merry Christmas (?), as in this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, we celebrate with Emerald and Tom by recapping Annabel Crabb’s latest frothy dive into Auspol, this time with Civic Duty, an ABC three-part series about the story of Australia’s voting system. Is Tom wrong to want it to go deeper? How can Penny Wong show her face in public after putting a dumb political party ahead of her own rights as a gay woman? What did we learn? ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful...
Dec 24, 2025•8 min
Video version - https://youtu.be/6VAHTndYDWg Emerald joins Tom to take a look at the aftermath of the horrific Bondi massacre (4:14), the community’s shock and the ways bad actors are exploiting it to push agendas. Then, a look at the year ahead and Emerald’s vibes for the Greens in 2025 (51:14). ---------- Just released on Patreon - Inside the Greens #11: DiNatale’s black skivvy & Senate voting reform The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe f...
Dec 20, 2025•1 hr 11 min
City councils vs cartoon watermelons. Tom is joined by guest host Alex McKinnon, co-founder of Deepcut News! First up, a politician expenses scandal has hit (23:52). Are these just distractions running from a template? And are Greens just as bad as the majors? Then, the under-16s social media ban hits (50:21). Will kids just instantly get around it? Why does breakfast radio continue to set the agenda in Aussie politics? Finally, a call to action (1:12:50). ---------- Just released on Patreon - I...
Dec 13, 2025•1 hr 16 min
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.” In this instalment - Richard DiNatalie flirts with the mainstream, reform of Group Voting Tickets in the Senate, the 2006 election, Turnbull as PM, Batman and Grayndler, and left renewal renewal renewal renewal renewal. ---------- The show can only exist be...
Dec 10, 2025•8 min
New theme song! Tom is joined by guest host, Greens candidate and activist, Hannah Thomas! First, an update on her health and the legal proceedings following her assault by a police officer during a pro-Palestinian protest (2:48). Then, Rising Tide is back for another year and plenty of legends have been arrested for blocking coal ships (25:52). Finally, a look at the recent results from the Australian Election Survey for the 2025 federal election (38:06). What can we learn? Why has Hannah not l...
Dec 06, 2025•1 hr 7 min
Pauline’s back with another attempt to woo MAGA, aka a burqa for a berko. Tom is joined by guest host Osman Faruqi, as he prepares to present Lamestream’s Ls of the Year Awards. First up, the Greens have agreed to pass the Environment Protection Reform Bills (19:11). Was this a capitulation by a Greens party cowed into submission, or a pragmatic move to take the best they could get? Then, the Greens held a National Members Survey about the future of the party, and Os-mum Mehreen Faruqi’s gave a ...
Nov 29, 2025•1 hr 9 min
In this sample of the new bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, 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 Home”? ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patr...
Nov 26, 2025•7 min
The Griff needs your help! Tom is joined by returning favourite Amy Remeikis, one of the few good journalists. First up a bit of Trump Epstein emails chat as a little treat (8:40). Then, the Coalition dumped net zero and all it does is provide cover for Labor to be 99% as bad (15:43). Next up a mixed-bag of the government being a bag of shit (45:10). Did you know the new CSIRO cuts are worse than Tony Abbott did? But it’s Labor so shh it’s fine, stop being hysterical. Meanwhile the government as...
Nov 22, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Tom and The Griff marvel at Max Chandler-Mather getting a fair run in an Australian newspaper!? Next, Tom is joined by Sarah-Hanson Young, Greens senator for South Australia! First up, the state of play and then a look at a recent Crikey article featuring unhappy Greens staffers (19:01). Then, with the LNP ditching net zero, and the country seemingly unbothered that Labor has effectively ditched it, what is going on? (38:39) ---------- Just released on Patreon - “Making fun of political ads with...
Nov 15, 2025•1 hr 9 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Emerald and Tom are joined live at Comedy Republic in Melbourne by Wil Anderson! As is his curse for life, we asked him to analyse commercials with us. From baby Adam Bandt, Labor cosplaying as Greens, Pauline going for schmaltz, and many more, political advertising in Australia is as strange as the politics itself. ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to our f...
Nov 13, 2025•2 min
Say nup to the annual Michael McCormack Melbourne Cup skit. Tom is joined by guest host Konrad Benjamin, aka Punter’s Politics! What is his superhero origin story? First up, this week saw Punters' Politics Political Fundraising Gala Dinner, a crowd-sourced plan to buy leftie lobbyists (20:51). Is lobbying the root cause of all political evil? Next up, with Zohran Mamdani’s big win in the New York mayoral race, what is Punter’s advice for the Australian Greens? (53:01) Is the brand tarnished or a...
Nov 08, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Video version - https://youtu.be/p7BpEuvzV_k Live from the Comedy Republic in Melbourne, it’s our 200th episode! It’s Emerald’s last weekly show! First, Albo is secretly a Joy Division t-shirt nazi!? Then some good news as Victoria signed a treaty with its First Peoples, and some bad news as Queensland banned puberty blockers for adolescents. Will some Zohran Mamdami and Zack Polanski save the movement? Next, Wil Anderson joins for a chat about the future and some audience Q & A’s. Thank you...
Nov 01, 2025•51 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Tom moderates the ‘Freedom For The Press’ event live at The Wheeler Centre in Melbourne on Tuesday 15th October 2025. “Censorship and secrecy threaten democracy. A discussion on press freedom and the public’s right to know.” The panel features: Andrew Wilkie MP – Independent Federal MP & defender of whistleblowers Greg Barns SC – Barrister & human rights advocate Melissa Fyfe – Award-winning senior writer, Good Weekend ---------- The show ca...
Oct 29, 2025•11 min
Mr. Albanese Goes To Washington and sells our resources for cheap to dictator while media takes Rudd bait. Emerald and Tom look at the announcement that the government's overhaul of Australia's environment laws won’t include a climate trigger. (9:09) But would a trigger have even stopped them from approving every possible mine? Then, duelling of the thinkpieces as Emma Dawson and Max Chandler-Mather both put out articles about the First Home Guarantee scheme. (40:07) So it’s just a big scam to h...
Oct 25, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Emerald is joined by guest host, #auspol legend and Chief Economist at The Australia Institute, Greg Jericho! First up, a chat about his career and being a fellow target of important public interest journalist James Massola (3:25). (We thought about asking James to come on the show, but he’s very busy breaking Watergate 2.) Next, what should we make of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas? (16:23) Could only Trump have made this happen? Why did Penny Wong have to be so weird about it? Then, th...
Oct 18, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Pauline Hanson is upset about paper bags for her pointless distraction this week. Emerald and Tom go through the Optus 000 saga after more unanswered calls have resulted in three deaths (7:52). You can’t privatise essential services without breaking a few eggs! Then, a look at the controversial recent Larissa Waters’ appearance on Insiders (35:37), which has brought criticism for her takes on Israel, Manchester and wind farms, and also she said a swear. Five months into her leadership of the fed...
Oct 11, 2025•1 hr 21 min
In this bonus series for Patreon subscribers, Tom and Emerald are joined by Dru Sims, President of the UQ Greens, to discuss student politics! What does politics at uni look like in 2025? Is it a breeding ground for the cesspool of grown up politics? And what is the state of the race in the UQ union election? UQU election dates - Fri Oct 10th midday - postal vote applications close Mon Oct 13th 9:30am - voting opens Fri Oct 17th 4:30pm - voting closes Fri Oct 24th - postal votes must be returned...
Oct 09, 2025•13 min
Freya Fired Out! Emerald and Tom are joined by leader of the Greens in the ACT, Shane Rattenbury! (12:58) First up a look at ACT politics and the state of play. Then, housing (34:24). As ACT makes it a human right, the federal 5% Home Guarantee Scheme comes into effect. Are these policies actually designed to make things worse? Finally, a call to action (1:07:54). Video version - https://youtu.be/Pf_vLW2F8w0 ---------- Just released on Patreon - “Inside the Greens #10: Christine Milne’s overhaul...
Oct 04, 2025•1 hr 9 min
In this bonus series for Patreon subscribers, Tom and Emerald continue chapter 10 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.” In this instalment - Christine Milne is a controversial leader, Tassie troubles, Scott Ludlam comes and goes, the party debates blocking the 2014 budget, Milne leaves, and Richard di Natale is elected! ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonde...
Oct 02, 2025•7 min
Albanese goes to the UN to obtain photographic evidence to prove to the other kids that Trump thinks he’s cool. Tom is joined by guest host and Greens upper house member for NSW, Abigail Boyd, MLC! What is the state of NSW politics? (12:58) And updates on Hannah Thomas, the childcare industry inquiry, worker’s comp, and some colourful characters in parliament. Finally, a call to action (55:42). Video version - https://youtu.be/zNxTIPkpiSs ---------- Just released on Patreon - “Targeting emission...
Sep 27, 2025•58 min
The emissions targets are out, and we need to get it right. Emerald and Tom go over the news that the United Nations (sort of) released a report declaring Israel’s action in Palestine a genocide (12:20). So that’s all sorted then? Next up, Susssssan Ley gave a speech this week about breaking the “growing expectation that the government will pay for everything.” (34:31) With no repercussions for robodebt, it’s a bold return to an old favourite way to make your stupid uncle mad. Finally, a call to...
Sep 20, 2025•1 hr 7 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Emerald and Tom keep talking about the bigger picture for the future of the climate movement. As the government announces mediocre emissions reductions targets, how can real results still be accomplished as things seem to be backsliding? Can we solve the climate crisis (in this episode)? ---------- Full episode now out on Patreon! The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to o...
Sep 18, 2025•12 min
Paying for an ambulance is crook. Emerald’s back! She and Tom catch up on some Greens news - Hannah Thomas has her charges dropped but that doesn’t fix her eye (6:58), Asta Hill has a new job as mayor of Alice Springs (13:26), and Adam Bandt also has a new job as CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation! (22:01) Then some big announcements about what’s up next for Serious Danger (30:50), along with a big chat about the future of the movement. Corporate power is kicking goals, so how can the...
Sep 13, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Video version - https://youtu.be/0J3mamN0r60 Albo bullied Max Chandler-Mather at the school formal and the Griff thinks he’s a fugly slut. Tom is joined by guest host and Executive Director of The Green Institute, Tim Hollo! First up, a look at an ugly week in Aussie racism, as politicians use the aftermath of the March for Australia to vice-signal their awfulness (9:27). Then a chat about the Green Institute and some news from Tim Hollo about the future (45:49). What is next for the green movem...
Sep 06, 2025•1 hr 15 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Emerald and Tom are joined again by economist and Executive Director of The Australia Institute Dr Richard Denniss, to discuss his new essay ‘Dead Centre: How Political Pragmatism is Killing Us.’ This one is a cracker, almost an hour of insightful takes from your favourite progressive economist boyfriend. Enjoy, sickos! ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s support. Subscribe for $3/month to get access to o...
Sep 05, 2025•11 min
Video version - https://youtu.be/gCE58W9Ry9o “Taylor Swift getting engaged means we're about to see some of the worst Labor MP tweets to ever hit the timeline.” Tom is joined by returning guest host Jack Toohey, author of ‘Better Things Are Possible: How rebellious hope will change the world.’ First up, Australia has announced “credible intelligence” that Iranian proxies were responsible for anti-semitic arson attacks in Australia. What is going on?!? (8:58) Then a discussion about the ideas in ...
Aug 30, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Brad Battin coming to you live from the scene of the crime. Emerald and Tom recap the mayhem down in the Tasmanian parliament (7:04), as LNP takes government and now-former Labor leader steps on a series of rakes and somehow it’s those dastardly Greens’ fault. Next up, there’s ‘March for Australia’ rallies being organised for August 31st, and they are a big dog-whistle by all the worst people in the country (24:25). Then they are joined by economist and Executive Director of The Australia Instit...
Aug 23, 2025•1 hr 16 min
In this bonus episode for Patreon subscribers, Emerald and Tom are joined again by outspoken WA climate activist Gerard Mazza. Has the federal government become a big version of the arrogant, gas-obsessed WA Labor weirdos? What is next in the fight? Will new laws make even posting about a non-illegal protest illegal? And how is he going to celebrate his restraining order against Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill ending? ---------- The show can only exist because of our wonderful Patreon subscriber’s supp...
Aug 21, 2025•9 min
The Cheek of that Hannah Ferguson, thinking she has solved left politics. Emerald and Tom go over this week’s announcement of the upcoming recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN by the Australian government (12:15). Is it a token gesture or a step forward? Then, unions are proposing a four-day work week. Could it actually happen this time? (37:06) Finally, David Stratton vs scabs, and a call to action (1:07:06). ---------- Just released on Patreon - “Inside the Greens #10: 2013 election, C...
Aug 16, 2025•1 hr 11 min
