Shameless Animals takes on the most difficult and divisive topics in the world -- this episode features Luke's new substack, called The Luke Stickels Substack , as he sorts through how the global media has started to pivot in its reporting of the Israel attacks against the Palestinian people. The aim, it seems, is to pick a subject every time that will chop our audience in half. The hope is that those who disagree on a given stance can appreciate the thorough research and evidence for each contr...
Jun 11, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Your top-fifteen podcast formerly known as The Lever is back as Shameless Animals, as we catalogue our collective flawed attempts to be human. We are still exploring pressure points of the modern world -- the song isn't as good yet but our sense of purpose is as strong as ever. In this episode Dr Darren Fisher is with us, leading us through his own creative practice and research into how drawing can make us happier, more calm, more creative and more able to take on life's challenges. So the spir...
Mar 17, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 1
We're very lucky to have one of Luke's true broadcasting gurus Judy Shelley, stop by for an epic conversation about controversial disqualified knowledges that emerge in chaotic times, under appropriately wild conditions in Melbourne's southern suburbs. Find out how things are just as wild up in the Byron Shire! While these knowledges may be judged on their respective merits, find out how every moment is an opportunity to become more unified, to protect and stand beside people we never quite unde...
Oct 02, 2023•50 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Melanie leads an all-star team with Zya, Erin and Kate through some of the big risks and norms they've grappled with as women over the years. Tune in to hear how many different ways life can be done when it comes to adventure, bold choices, observing and responding to traditions over work and family, and driving one's own sexuality. A bit of a successor episode to our previous "Unlearning Monogamy" episode. Same deal each week: talking lite around the serious stuff, and talking seriously around ...
Nov 09, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Season 2Ep. 4
As Melbournites head into ever more strenuous lockdown conditions, Luke, Melanie and new guest Leila share what's keeping them happy, healthy and hopeful. They survey the scene locally, nationally and internationally, then get into what's working for themselves and their communities, including quotes to inspire and their "desert island discs". A sister episode to Luke and Nick's first episode of the season, revisiting policy, welfare and the arts. Luke references the amazing Indigenous land righ...
Aug 07, 2020•2 hr 38 min•Season 2Ep. 3
The Lever is back for Season 2! This week we're joined by Season 1 OG: musician, creator and educator Nick, who joins Luke to discuss the plight of musicians and artists in the global Corona shutdown, heterodox responses from unexpected quarters of the Anglosphere, and the potential for a "great unmasking" that exposes the national media, politicians, our own bad votes, and how we sure love the arts but prefer not to pay for it. UBI, the neo-liberal bipartisan consensus, welfare, work and creati...
Apr 23, 2020•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 1
After a Dysatisfunctional Summer hiatus, The Lever is back for a Season 1 Finale! Original thought leader, creative and your spiritual better, Manushka, joins Luke as he tries to say the whole thing was her idea. If creative projects, unwanted birthdays, awkward family and friendship moments are things in your life, this is the episode for you. Email us at theleverpodcast@gmail.com with thoughts and feedback about what Manushka should come back to weigh in on next. Do you prefer the 1:1 intervie...
Feb 17, 2019•38 min•Season 1Ep. 6
Aaaaand, we're BACK. In this new episode, Ben takes us down the Roman roads of Western civilisation, via The Ramsay Centre's inability to find a host university. We explore how progressives are riddled with contradiction, and how Tony Abbott is personally responsible for the awkward position this Course of Western Civilisation finds itself in. This visual diary was too busy for a cover image, but we very much wanted to share it with you. Email us at theleverpodcast@gmail.com with thoughts and fe...
Oct 15, 2018•41 min•Season 1Ep. 5
This week Caitlin, David and Luke take a look at the byelections happening around Australia in July and try to figure out just what the heck is going on. We pride ourselves on being able to make any side of politics discomforted, so if you're offended, you might just be in terrible company! Journos and moderate centrists might cop more of a shellacking than anyone this hour. Listeners have commended the quality of talent and wit each week. If you like what we're putting together here, go recomme...
Jul 31, 2018•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Our first episode of The Lever! The skills, tech and people have aligned, and we couldn't be happier to share it with you. Join Luke, Melanie, Nick and Tom for a fairly epic exploration of some symbolic shit going on, and we mean that literally. Follow our Facebook page at fb.com/dysatisfunctional, read the blog at dysatisfunctional.com, and Subscribe to our Youtube channel at Dysatisfunctional TV. Our sketch comedy satire of the Equal Marriage vote is up there so check it out. At 100 subscriber...
Jun 18, 2018•42 min•Season 1Ep. 1
